Gangs and Society: Alternative Perspectives by Louis Kontos, David Brotherton and Luis Barrios

This academically written compilation of articles explores different aspects of gangs besides their popularized connections to drugs and violence. It addresses topics such as how gangs are based on political consciousness, on identity and cultural preservation, on protection, and provide a way for members to stop social marginalization. Includes pieces about women in gangs, the two well-known ALKQN and Los Solidos gangs, and politics in gangs. The highlight of the book is the section on gangs and photography, which includes real-life pictures of gang members and analyzes the different methods that have been used by scholars to represent the groups.

About the Authors

Louis Kontos is an associate professor of sociology at Long Island University, C. W. Post campus.

David C. Brotherton is an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the CUNY Graduate Center.

Luis Barrios is an assistant professor of psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. With David Brotherton, he co-authored Between Black and Gold: The Street Politics of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Columbia 2003).